Fabric napping mechanism



Jan. 4, 1955 w. N. HADLEY 2,698,476

FABRIC NAPPING MECHANISM Filed Nov. 25, 1952 4 Shets-Sheet l INVENTOR. WILFRED N. HADLEY BY K w -(7, 50.7, ZJZZZW ATTORNEYS Jan. 4, 1955 w. N. HADLEY FABRIC NAPPING MECHANISM 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 25, 1.952

Z1275 v/Jmd ATTORNEY Jah. 4; 1955 W. N. HADLEY FABRIC NAPPING MECHANISM 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Nov. 25, 1952 INVENTOR. WILFRED N. HADLEY ATTORNEYS United States Patent FABRIC NAPPING MECHANISM Wilfred N. Hadley, Springfield, Vt., assignor to Parks & Woolson Machine Corp., Springfield, Vt., a corporation of Vermont Application November 25, 1952, Serial No. 322,433

9 Claims. (Cl. 2629) This invention relates to fabric napping mechanism employing pile and counterpile napping worker rolls, commonly called workers, mounted to rotate on fixed axes and having napping needles at their peripheries adapted to receive and support a fabric strip fed arcuately over the rolls and lift fibres to the surface of the fabric to produce a desired nap. The napping is effected by the opposing action of the pile and counterpile workers on the fabric and the quality and character of the finish produced is dependent on the uniformity and maintenance of this opposing relation. In accordance with my invention I operatively connect the pile workers to rotate as a unit at equal peripheral speeds and likewise connect the counterpile workers as a unit in like manner. The fabric is driven in one direction over and in contact with the rolls and the invention contemplates power means for driving the counterpile workers in the direction of movement of and at a peripheral speed greater than the speed of the fabric and other means for effecting controlled rotation of the pile workers in the same direction and at a peripheral speed not greater than the speed of the fabric, whereby their opposed action produces the desired nap. The primary object of the invention resides in the production of an improved fabric napping mechanism of this nature together with means for varying the relative speeds of the pile and counterpile workers and thereby varying the nap finish as desired.

As will be apparent, the connecting of the pile and counterpile rolls into two relatively opposed units serves to effect uniform napping of the fabric throughout its length and the control over each unit whereby to vary the relative speeds of the pile and counterpile rolls provides for producing any desired finish and reproducing the same merely by giving proper adjustment to the unit controls.

In the preferred form of the invention, the worker rolls are disposed in substantially parallel and preferably vertically extending banks each embodying a plurality of rolls in lateral alignment with the pile and counterpile rolls arranged in pairs to oppose each other. A further feature of the invention embodies a fabric engaging roll disposed between each two adjacent pairs of rolls for holding the fabric in arcuate contact with the pile and counterpile rolls of each pair, together with means for simultane' ously adjusting the fabric engaging rolls of each bank transversely of the bank and of the pairs of rolls. This latter adjustment permits variable arcuate contact of the fabric with the worker rolls and complete disengagement therefrom particularly when starting or stopping the machine." The production of a fabric napping mechanism embodying these novel features comprises a further object of the invention.

These and other features of the invention will be best understood and appreciated from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof selected for purposes of illustration and shown in the accompanying drawings in which- Fig. 1 is a fragmentary front elevation of a fabric napping machine embodying the invention,

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary side elevation,

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a modification,

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary elevation showing a further feature of the invention,

Fig. 5 illustrates a fragmentary portion of Fig. 4,

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary front elevation of a modified construction,

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Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary end elevation taken on line 7-7 of Fig. 6, and

Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary end elevation taken on line 88 of Fig. 6.

Referring first to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, 10 and 12 indicate the two sides of a frame within which are rotatably supported the rotary members for conducting a strip of fabric 14 through the machine and raising a nap on one face of the fabric. The fabric supporting members are illustrated in Fig. 2 as disposed in three vertical and parallel banks A, B and C. The fabric 14 is moved through the machine in the direction of the arrow by driven drums 16 disposed at the top and bottom ends of the banks. The incoming fabric passes from the first drum over a fabric supporting roll 18 and from thence downwardly of the first bank A, upwardly of the second bank B and then downwardly of the third bank C, and can continue on to such additional banks as may be necessary.

Disposed between the fabric supporting rolls 18 and 20 are four pairs of worker rolls, each pair embodying a pile worker 22 and a counterpile worker 23, and disposed between each pair is a fabric supporting roll 24. As illustrated in Fig. 2 the rolls 24 hold the fabric arcuate contact with the adjacent worker rolls. Each worker roll is provided at its periphery with fabric engaging needles 26 extending outwardly from the periphery of the roll and having hook-like free ends all pointing in the same direction circumferentially of the roll. The needles on the rolls 23 extend in the direction of movement of the fabric and the needles on the rolls 22 extend in the opposite direction.

All pile worker rolls 22 are mounted on shafts 28 each having a sprocket 29 fixed to one end outside the frame upright 10 and an endless chain 30 engages all the sprockets and connects the pile workers for rotation at equal peripheral speeds. The chain 30 also passes over a sprocket 32 on a shaft 33 and from thence to all sprockets 29 and idlers 34 and 36. The idlers 34 maintain the chain in arcuate contact with the adjacent sprockets and the idlers 36 guide the chain between the adjacent banks. The counterpile worker rolls 23 are in like manner connected by a chain 38 engaging sprockets 40 at the side of the machine opposite to that of the chain 30. The chain 38 also passes over a sprocket 42 on a shaft 43 and over idlers 44 and 46 corresponding to idlers 34 and 36.

The chains 30 and 38 are driven in the same direction as the fabric by a motor 48 operating through power transmission 50 to well known variable speed transmissions 52 and 54. The variable speed transmissions comprise two adjustable pulleys 56 on a shaft 58 and operatively connected through V-belts 60 with two pulleys 62 respectively on the shafts 33 and 43. The change speed transmissions are standard equipment and provide independently adjustable speeds for the shafts 33 and 43 and chains 30 and 38. The Reeves variable speed transmission is of this nature and is one of several well known in the trade.

The variable speed transmission 54 to the shaft 43 is adjustable to drive the counterpile workers 23 at a peripheral speed slightly greater than the speed of the fabric 14, and the variable speed transmission 52 to the shaft 33 is adjustable to drive the pile workers 22 at a peripheral speed not greater and ordinarily slightly less than the speed of the fabric. The pile and counterpile workers 22 and 23 thereupon function in opposed relation on the fabric, the workers 23 operating to nap the fabric in a direction forwardly of the direction of movement of the fabric and the workers 22 operating to nap the faric in the opposite direction. Thus it will be apparent that all the pile workers 22 operate uniformly in one direction on the fabric and all the counterpile workers 23 operate uniformly in the opposite direction, thereby napping the fabric uniformly throughout its length. The variable speed transmissions 52 and 54 provide for varying the relative speed of the pile and counterpile workers as required.

and, when operating on flimsy knit goods or certain loose and sleazy fabrics Where needles with opposed hook ends might tear the fabric, it may be desirable to employ straight needles 64 on the pile workers as illustrated m Fig. 3. Such straight needles are adapted to serve the fabric holding function and perform a limited napping effect. It may also be desirable to employ this arrangement shown in Fig. 3 on firm and non-stretchable fabrics and to rotate the pile workers 65 at a peripheral speed equal to the speed of the fabric.

A further feature of the invention illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5 comprises an adjustable mounting of the fabric supporting rolls 24', corresponding to the rolls 24 of Figs. 1 and 2, for the purpose of regulating the arc of contact of the fabric with the worker rolls 22 and 23. As illustrated, each roll 24 is supported at its ends in a yoke 66 including a shaft 68 mounted on the frame -12. A worm wheel 69 on each shaft is in mesh with a worm 70 on a vertical shaft 72 mounted on the frame 12 and having an operating hand wheel 74 at its top end. Rotation of the shaft 72 is adapted to swing the yokes through the arcs indicated. It will be apparent that the arc of contact of the fabric with the worker rolls can thus be varied as desired. When the yokes and rolls 24' are in the retracted position the fabric 14 is free from engagement with the workers and a primary function of this mechanism is to bring the fabric into engagement with the workers after the machine has been brought up to operating speed and to remove the fabric therefrom when the machine is to be stopped. By thus applying the fabric only when the workers are up to speed it is possible to employ a much longer arc of contact than would otherwise be possible since engagement of the fabric to slowly rotating workers tends to tear the fabric and reduce the efiiciency and functional effect of the workers.

As illustrated in the drawings the rolls of each pair of workers are placed in relatively close proximity whereas the pairs of workers are spaced more widely apart to accommodate the adjusting rolls 24 or 24' and permit them to support the fabric in such arcuate contact with the workers as is required, it being understood that different fabrics require difierent degrees of contact. Such arrangement permits the direct cooperation of each two working rolls of each pair on the fabric without any other contact with or interruption of the fabric therebetween and employs the spaces between the pairs for providing the required arcuate contact. Such proximate spacing of the workers also renders the machine and fabric traveling path more compact and avoids undue stretch of the fabric between the cooperating workers 22 and 23 as would be the case were they spaced widely apart.

It is furthermore particularly pointed out that by employing suitable index means in association with the adjusting shaft 72 the adjusting rolls can be conveniently and quickly set and re-set to such positions as will produce and reproduce desired and required napping eifects and operations.

While I have illustrated and herein specifically described variable speed mechanism of the nature shown in Fig. l for controlling the operation of the pile and counterpile workers, I desire it to be understood that other equivalent means can be employed. For example, I may employ a variable electro-magnetic driving unit in lieu of the variable speed transmission 54 for driving the counterpile workers 23 and a variable electro-magnetic brake unit in lieu of the variable speed transmission 52 for controlling the rotation of the pile workers 22. The former under the control of a rheostat is adapted to drive the workers 23 at variable desired speeds and the latter under a like control is adapted to give variable controlled resistance to the rotation of the pile workers 22. The Warner electric brake and clutch transmission is of this nature and is one of several well known in the trade. The functions performed by both types of transmissions are the same.

In Figs. 6-8 I have illustrated a still further modified construction that may be employed to give the desired speed to the counterpile workers 23 and the desired controlled resistance to rotation of the pile workers 22. The frame and workers illustrated are substantially the same as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 and are indicated by like character references primed. The pile workers 22 are operatively connected by a chain and the counterpile workers 23' are operatively connected by a chain 38. The chain 38' and counterpile workers are driven by a motor 48' and variable speed transmission 54' corresponding to that shown in Fig. 1, and the chain 30' together with the pile workers 22' are controlled by mechanism now to be described.

The chain 30' passes over a sprocket 76 on a shaft 78 at the front side of the machine. A drum 80 on the other end of the shaft at the rear side of the machine is disposed between two brake shoes 81 on two arms 82 pivoted at 83 to a support 84. A rod 85 extending through the free ends of the arms together with a compression spring 86 on the rod are adapted normally to hold the brake shoes in frictional contact with the drum, the extent of friction imposed being adjustable by a nut 87 on the rod. A lever pivoted at 88 to one arm 82 has a short arm 90 positioned to engage a collar 91 fixed to the rod 85. The other relatively long arm 92 of the lever extends into a yoke 93 attached to the armature 94 of a solenoid 95 mounted on the support 84. When the solenoid is energized the armature 94 pulls the lever arm 92 downwardly and spreads the arms 82 to release the brake shoes 81 from the drum.

The operation of the counterpile workers 23' in this construction is the same as already described and illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. The functions of the pile Workers 22' are to hold the fabric in opposition to the counterpile workers and to nap the fabric in the opposite direction. These features are performed in this construction by retarding free rotation of the pile workers 22' a predetermined amount through the braking action on the drum 80, this action being transmitted through the shaft 78 and sprocket 76 to the chain 30'.

In its preferred form, the invention contemplates a machine in which the workers are mounted to rotate on fixed axes and are disposed in substantially parallel and preferably vertical banks. This construction permits rapid feeding and working of the fabric without ballooning of the fabric or workers and other objectionable features present in planetary nappers and limiting their speed and production. Also while I have in the drawings illustrated the napping of one face only of the fabric, it will be understood that both faces can be mapped by so arranging the worker rolls that both faces of the fabric are engaged. There is no limitation to the speed at which the fabric can be run through the machine and mapped and the napping effect is a gentle teasing action causing little flocking and loss of weight in the fabric. The disposing of the banks vertically also requires a minimum at floor space and permits all flock to drop freely to the oor.

The connecting of the pile and counterpile workers to operate as opposing units at uniform speeds also effects uniform napping of the fabric throughout its entire length and produces a superior product. The application of the fabric to and its removal from the workers only when the workers are up to speed, by the mechanism illustrated 1n Figs. 4 and 5, also maintains the uniform and superior quality of the product. The mechanism furthermore permits such full arcuate application of the fabric to the workers as will produce maximum efficency in the napping operation. It will also be apparent that the relative speed variation provided between the pile and counterpile workers provides for quickly and conveniently producing and reproducing such napping as may be desired and required.

Having thus disclosed my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. Fabric napping mechanism comprising a plurality of relatively spaced rolls mounted for rotation on fixed and parallel axes, a plurality of needles disposed in spaced relation around and along the rolls, said needles on each roll being anchored to and extending outwardly from the periphery of the roll and the needles on certain of the rolls having hook-like free ends all pointing in the same direction circumferentially, the rolls being adapted to receive a fabric strip extending transversely across the rolls in contact with the needles about an arcuate portion of each roll with said free ends of the needles of said certain rolls extending in one direction longitudinally of the fabric strip engaged therewith, means operatively connecting said certain rolls to rotate at equal peripheral speeds, means operatively connecting the other rolls to rotate at equal peripheral speeds,

power operated means for moving the strip longitudinally in the direction of the needles on said certain rolls, power operated means for rotating said certain rolls in the direction of movement of the fabric, means for eifecting controlled rotation of said other rolls in the same direction, and means for varying the relative speeds of said certain and other rolls, said certain and other rolls being disposed in such alternate arrangement that said certain rolls engage and stretch the fabric forwardly while said other rolls disposed rearwardly thereof engage and oppose such forward stretching of the fabric when the last named means is adjusted to rotate said certain rolls at a peripheral speed greater than the speed of the fabric and to effect controlled rotation of said other rolls at a peripheral speed not greater than the speed of the fabric.

2. The fabric napping mechanism defined in claim 1 in which said means for effecting controlled rotation of said other rolls comprises adjustable braking mechanism cooperating with said other rolls.

3. The fabric napping mechanism defined in claim 1 in which said means for varying the relative speeds of said certain and other rolls includes means for varying the rotating speed of said certain rolls.

4. The fabric napping mechanism defined in claim 1 in which said means for effecting controlled rotation of said other rolls and the means for varying the relative speeds of said certain and other rolls includes two variable power driving mechanisms for said certain and other rolls respectively.

5. The fabric napping mechanism defined in claim 1 in which said rolls are disposed in a plurality of substantially parallel banks each embodying a plurality of pairs of said rolls, the rolls in each bank being substantially in lateral alignment and adjacent pairs thereof being in spaced relation and each embodying one of said certain rolls and one of said other rolls, a fabric engaging roll parallel with and disposed between each two adjacent pairs of rolls for holding the fabric in said arcuate contact with the first named rolls, and means for simultaneously adjusting the fabric engaging rolls of each bank transversely of its pairs of rolls.

6. The fabric napping mechanism defined in claim 5 in which said parallel banks of rolls are disposed in substantially vertical planes.

7. Fabric napping mechanism comprising a plurality of napping rolls disposed in lateral alignment on fixed axes disposed substantially in a common plane, said rolls being arranged in pairs with each pair in spaced relation from adjacent pairs, means for effecting relative controlled rotation of the forward and rearward napping rolls of said pairs, a fabric engaging roll parallel with and disposed between each two adjacent pairs of napping rolls for holding a fabric strip in arcuate contact with the napping rolls, and means for simultaneously adjusting the fabric engaging rolls transversely of said plane to vary the arcuate contact of the fabric strip with the napping rolls.

8. The fabric napping mechanism defined in claim 7 in which said means for effecting controlled rotation comprises means operatively connecting the forward rolls of each pair to rotate at equal peripheral speeds and means operatively connecting the rearward rolls of each pair to rotate at equal peripheral speeds.

9. Fabric napping mechanism comprising a plurality of pairs of napping rolls disposed in lateral alignment to receive a fabric strip transversely across and in contact with the rolls, each pair comprising a forward napping roll and a rearward napping roll disposed in relatively close proximity and with the pairs of rolls spaced more widely apart, means for effecting relative controlled rotation of the forward and rearward napping rolls of said pairs, a fabric engaging roll parallel with and disposed between each two adjacent pairs of napping rolls for holding a fabric strip in arcuate contact with the napping rolls, and means for simultaneously adjusting the fabric engaging rolls transversely of the fabric path to vary the arcuate contact of the fabric strip with the napping rolls.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 494,152 Martinot Mar. 28, 1893 2,159,950 Hirsch May 23, 1939 2,472,584 Hadley June 7, 1949 

